For Any Festive Menu
Nothing says wintertime and Christmas joy quite like candy canes. From the freshness of the peppermint to the sweetness of the candied sugar, there’s plenty to like. If you can’t get enough of this seasonal treat, then here are 20 fun dishes to incorporate them into. Better yet, all of these recipes are available online, so it’ll be a breeze to prepare.
1. White Chocolate Candy Cane Cupcakes
There are dozens of combinations you can make with cupcakes and candy cane, but the one that looks best are those that take advantage of white chocolate. The white from the chocolate and the red swirls from the candy cane will blend together perfectly. Try the mix on top of a chocolate cupcake for the best results.
2. Peppermint Bark
Candy cane bark is a must-have during the Christmas season. You can easily find this in different stores, but if you want to make them yourself at home, they’re quite easy. Plus, they make for great gifts and stocking stuffers.
3. Peppermint Fudge
What makes this tasty winter treat a delight is undoubtedly the blend of rich milk chocolate and the crisp coolness of sweet candy cane. You can make it easily at home with only three ingredients. Just be sure to sprinkle a little crushed candy cane on top to give it the right look.
4. Candy Cane Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate is another winter mainstay that we simply can’t get enough of. There are plenty of ways to incorporate candy cane into your drink. You could stick a candy cane in and use it as a stirring stick, or incorporate bits of candy. Of course, the safest way is to add a bit of peppermint extract to the drink.
5. Candy Cane Ice Cream
Some people like ice cream anytime despite the weather. If you’re one of these, then there are great ways to add a little peppermint crunch to your favorite ice cream flavor. Try a vanilla peppermint base, or simply mix in strips of dark chocolate and crushed candy cane into some old-fashioned vanilla or chocolate.
6. Candy Cane Popcorn
If you want to mix in some savory with sweet, then popcorn is a great vessel for most experiments. The key here is to incorporate some shaved candy cane bits into salty popcorn. Add some melted white or milk chocolate first to make sure the candy cane adheres.
7. Candy Cane Pretzels
Another way to blend the salty world with the sweet one is to go for pretzels. Pretzels already work great with chocolate, which is why all you need to do is melt your preferred chocolate and dip some pretzel sticks in.
Then simply press the coated pretzel sticks into some candy cane shavings.
8. Peppermint Cheesecake
If cake or cupcakes isn’t your thing, then you’ll be thrilled to hear that peppermint works great on cheesecake too. Just make a typical cheesecake and top it off with a layer of chocolate and crushed candy cane bits. You could also incorporate some peppermint in the cheese filling to take things up a notch.
9. Frosted Peppermint Brownie Cookies
There are plenty of different kinds of cookies you could make with peppermint as the inspiration, but why stop at a regular cookie when you can use brownie batter instead? Find a solid brownie cookie recipe then take it to the next level with some peppermint-infused cream cheese frosting.
10. Peppermint Oreo Truffles
Oreos seem to go well with everything, and there’s nothing like the rich deep flavor of chocolate to elevate the sweetness of candy cane. Start by making regular Oreo truffles and dip them in a coating made of the cookie frosting and candy cane bits.
11. Chocolate Peppermint Log
Whether you call them Swiss rolls or logs, there is something so festive about cutting into one of these. Follow a traditional chocolate and vanilla Swiss roll recipe, but be sure to top it with candy cane shavings, and throw some cracked pieces inside as well for a little crunch.
12. Candy Cane Brownies
There’s something so cozy and warm about brownies, making them one of the heartiest desserts out there. To get everyone in the festive spirit, add a dash of peppermint flavoring to your brownie batter or top it off with some candy-cane-infused chocolate.
13. Peppermint Meringues
Meringue fits in perfectly with the Christmas season considering its snow-like look. You can take it to the next level by adding in some contrasting red and white swirls. This is a standout in a cookie assortment and will likely leave you with recipe requests.
14. Candy Cane Kisses
If you’re a fan of Hershey’s kisses, well you might as well make them yourself. Everything tastes better homemade after all. With plenty of recipes to choose from, you can customize your preferences from white chocolate to milk to dark. As long as you get some candy cane in there, you’ll be good to go.
15. Peppermint Bundt Cake
Regular cakes can be a bit boring, but a bundt cake is a hit at any gathering. Swirl in some red peppermint batter into the usual vanilla one and drizzle with melted white chocolate and minty bits. If you get the stakes just right, your guests will be in for a red and white treat when they cut into it.
16. Peppermint Pie
You can in fact make pie with candy cane. The secret here is to get the balance just right. Start with a dark chocolate cookie crumble crust. For your filling, go for vanilla or white chocolate mixed with some pink food coloring and peppermint flavoring. Don’t forget the whipped cream!
17. Peppermint Punch
If you prefer your drinks cold, then don’t let hot chocolate stop you. Candy cane punch mixes peppermint ice cream with cream soda for a fun treat. It’s basically a root beer float, but with candy cane instead!
18. Peppermint Marshmallows
Whether you want to add them to your hot chocolate or snack on them by themselves, peppermint marshmallows are a must-have during the Christmas season. With many recipes to choose from, you’ll be able to indulge in the fluffy and filling texture of marshmallows. You can take things up a notch by dipping them in melted chocolate too!
19. Candy Cane Shortbread Cookies
The secret to shortbread cookies is getting the shape right. You can probably find candy cane shape molds at your local grocery store or online. Then simply follow your favorite shortbread recipe and add a layer of red peppermint-infused frosting.
20. Red Velvet Peppermint Thumbprints
Thumbprints are a special type of cookie that include a well in the center, perfect for all sorts of fillings.
While you can customize your cookie, one recommended combination is making a red velvet cookie and infusing the cream cheese frosting with peppermint flavoring and crushed pieces.
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